I enjoyed this module, because it has taught me ways to stay in touch with other professionals. I can visit the Classroom 2.0 Ning or ISTE’s Ning and virtually attend their events. I can read through “tweets” on the go with my iPhone. I can find and share useful sites through my Diigo account. Through Goodreads, I can find and share great books. The best part is – I can access it all from my home page! Thank you iGoogle! I feel like I will never lose touch with any of my classmates. You guys are my collaborative buddies forever. Let’s plan for a “tweet up” some time in the near future.

Social media has a valid place in today’s classrooms. It can be used to stimulate and enhance teaching and learning in so many ways. It can support reading, writing, research, and other content areas. Social media can also bring out shy students who might not otherwise openly discuss their ideas in a traditional classroom setting. The collaborative nature of these tools is amazing! Why am I just learning about these technologies? Social media should not be the outcast Web 2.0 technology. According to the National Online Survey of District Technology District Use of Web 2.0 Technologies, “more than 500 district technology directors were surveyed around the United States and found that teachers are the drivers of Web 2.0 adoption in schools”. However, administrators need to be the example and lead the way for the use of social media for teachers. Otherwise, it will be slow going to get up to speed with our “digital natives”.